12/30/2008 (Theres no place like the MTC for Christmas?!?)

Hola! I can't believe that it has been 2 weeks!!! 1/24th down. I am glad to hear that your Christmas went well. I am sorry to hear that it has been a pukefest there. The food here is not bad. I have not had that big of trouble with getting up at 6:30. I actually haven’t minded wearing a suit and tie. It feels weird when I wear normal close already.

I forgot to tell you what exactly happened after I left. I walked to the other side and it was like a rush of wind dried my eyes. I just couldn't cry anymore. We had to go get the white hand book, shots, the standard works in Spanish, a new name tag (we only have 2), and just some other odds and end things. I live in the building that was just south of where I put my bag. On the fourth and final floor. Then we just unpacked, had a meeting with the MTC president, met the Branch president, then saw our class room and went to bed to start this glorious and profound work.

Spanish is coming pretty well. I was just thinking yesterday how much I have learned. We only pray in Spanish and we have to testify in Spanish as well. My teachers told me that they want me to help the others because I am so much farther ahead. I know I have a lot to learn and Ii am excited to teach it to them because I know it will just help me get better. We do some language training on computers. We can listen and talk so that’s neat. Church is different. It kind of just feels like a fireside since we just dress like we do any other day. I have gotten a few letters. We do have a little bit of time outside but not much. I am excited to go to the temple. That’s sweet about the T-Mobile thing. Hopefully I can get some money.

Well Christmas was pretty sweet. I started crying because Sister Holland said that she speaks for everyone’s mother that all they can think about is us today. But I have done pretty well besides then. Gym time here consist of basketball with 20 missionaries on 3 courts battling to see who can hit each other harder or who can dribble between their legs the fastest. There are too many egos. We went to the Referral Center (RC) last Monday but no one answered. We went yesterday and 3 out of the four answered but only one wanted me to send something again. And a lady called in and I talked to her and sent her a Book of Mormon and bore my testimony of it to her. I got one of my black pants dried cleaned because they got something on them.

I bought some sandals from the MTC Wal-mart for the shower. We get a card that has 6 dollars a week on it so I got those and laundry detergent and I still have 41 cents left. All of the other normal things are free, i.e. barber, laundry, meals, etc. This letter isn't as long because I read all of the six that came to me and that also counted for my time. It has stopped snowing and started to melt away which is pretty neat to watch. I printed some pictures and will just send them home so I can write on the back. I gave my companion a priesthood blessing on Sunday because he was just so upset that he couldn't learn Spanish.

Well I hope there is a peace and calmness in Arizona. The lord works in mysterious miracles. Remember, missionaries are called to teach not to find so find people to have them teach. I know that Christ lives. I know Joseph Smith restored this church and if you believe in that, everything just falls into place. I know when you have enough faith in the Lord just like the 55 thousand missionaries serving right now. The lord can do things that you wouldn't even imagine and I testify of that. I love and pray for you all.